Dr. Rob -- I'm getting conflicting info for the date of manufacture. In a book strictly about Colt firearms, the author writes that the number on the bottom of the butt is a government number not a serial number, as a member of this forum wrote earlier. If I went by the butt number, the gun was made in 1917. If I go by the other numbers, the gun was made in 1920. I got the Springfield stamp info and the date of manufacture from a book called "Gunmarks." For the Springfield stamp, the author writes that the Eagle Head stamp was a mark used by Springfield Armory that they put on 1911 Government models. It is the only mark that would indicate a Springfield rebuilt, if that is indeed was it is. All other marks are Colt, right down to the prancing pony. Last night I put some 45 shells in the cylinder without moon clips. The revolver functioned fine as there is a ridge in the cylinder that will allow the round to stay put. However, the rounds need to be ejected by hand because there is no rim for the ejector star to catch on. So if the gun was indeed made in 1917 when moon clips were absolutely needed to fire, it was update later in its military career. This would explain the differences between numbers on the yoke versus the frame and sideplate. I'm not sure if the gun was ever reblued. But you may be right about the lanyard ring never being installed. I couldn't find any wear marks that would indicate that the lanyard pin was ever installed. Man, I am fun learning about this piece. Thanks for all your help. Keep the info coming.